20 wk scan - full bladder required?

[RayeB]

Hi, On the appointment letter it says to have a full bladder for the anomoly scan, but I kind of remember when I had my little girl a couple of years ago, for her 20 wk scan it wasn't required. I could be wrong as I have major pregnancy memory loss but just wondered if anyone could clarify this? I have bad bladder control - I was practically jumping up and down before my 12 week scan - like a 12 year old!!

My letter says full bladder too.
Last time, they said it was too full, and to go and have a little wee - how on earth can you do a little wee when you're at bursting point???

It varies from hospital to hospital and is dependant on the type of scanners they are using I think. I had to have one for my 20 week scan and also had to have one at a 32 week scan too.

I went for an early dating scan yesterday (at 9 weeks), confided to the technician that I was bursting for the loo and she looked bemused and asked "why?".

I said I thought you had to have a full bladder for scans and she said (in a rather pissy voice) "I don't know who told you that, it hasn't been true for 10 years".

I had my 20 week scan yesterday and went to the loo minutes before the scan. Nothing was mentioned and she was able to get a good look at everything. I was never told to have a full bladder.

My hospital didn't insist on one for the 16-week scan, and have said I don't need one for 20-week.

BUT if they want a urine sample, might be best to make sure it aint exactly empty.

My letter said the same, but after a very painful 12 week scan, due to very full bladder, the fact they were running very late, an unpleasant sonographer - for 20 week one I did drink water while in waiting room but didn't over do it. Even then the lovely sonographer (different hosp for this scan) asked if I would like to have a wee pee before she started.

I had my 20 wk scan last wed and was sooo desperate for a wee that I had to go before I was called . I panicked when I was called 5 minutes after I had come out of the loo, but it was fine, I had an amazingly good scan and all the pictures were really clear.

The sonographer didn't mention anything about my empty bladder whilst he was doing all the measurements either.

Was just about to post the same question! I have mine tomorrow and it says "comfortably full bladder" whatever that is? I am just going to drink some water on the way.Had my nt scan in fmc in harley st at 12 wks and didnt need one at all. Sonographer said "oh no that would be very annoying"

when i went with a full bladder for 21wk scan I was so desperate for the loo as there was an hour delay, so asked the receptionist and she said 'oh my dear, you are silly, you don't need a full bladder for this one, just the 12 week one, quick, go before you burst!'

We would need you to have a full bladder. TBH if thats what your info leaflet says I would go with that. Some hospitals have different policies, but if your asks for one its worth trying. Tell them when you book in at the desk if you have a problem holding it and try your best not to be overfull as you will be really uncomfortable and it can actually make the scan harder. Perhaps worth having a trial run to see how much you need to drink and when to have a full bladder you can hold - I did this before my scan and still had to wee a little bit , you'd think I'd know better!!!

Been for mine this am. Forgot and weed out of habit before i left durrrr.Drank a bottle of water on way there and tbh didnt feel very full when got called in.Told sonographer and she was fine. Lovely pics with no probs but did want to wee badly by the end of it,